Man U OKs Madrid offer for Ronaldo

SOCCER NOTES

Associated Press

Published 4:00 am, Friday, June 12, 2009

Photo: Paulo Duarte, AP

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In this Wednesday, April 15, 2009 file photo Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo drives the ball against FC Porto in a Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal. Manchester United accepted a world record transfer offer for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid on Thursday, June 11, 2009 clearing the World Player of the Year to negotiate personal terms with the Spanish club. less

In this Wednesday, April 15, 2009 file photo Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo drives the ball against FC Porto in a Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match at the Dragao stadium in Porto, ... more

Photo: Paulo Duarte, AP

Man U OKs Madrid offer for Ronaldo

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Manchester United accepted a world-record transfer offer for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid on Thursday, clearing the FIFA Player of the Year to negotiate terms with the Spanish club.

The Premier League champion in London said it received an unconditional offer of $131 million for the 24-year-old midfielder. Unlike last offseason, Manchester United is willing to allow the Portuguese star to join a major European rival seeking to build a new era of "Galacticos."

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," United said in a statement. "Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June."

Madrid confirmed the offer in a statement: "The club hopes to reach an agreement with the player in the coming days."

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